For those with type 2 diabetes, t'ai chi could be an alternative exercise intervention to increase glucose control, diabetic self-care activities, and quality of life. Whether t'ai chi can reduce or prevent diabetic complications requires further study.

Purpose-To assess the feasibility, safety, and preliminary estimates of effectiveness of Tai Chi on functional outcomes in stroke survivors.Design-A mixed-method study with a single-group repeated-measure design and in-depth interviews.Methods-Fourteen stroke survivors with hemiplegia were recruited to participate in a Tai Chi program, twice weekly for 12 months. Outcomes included physical function, self-efficacy, and activity of daily living measured at 3 month intervals for 12 months.Findings-Ten participants (mean age 68.5 years) completed all assessments with significantly improved balance (Χ 2 =14.08, p=.007), flexibility (Χ 2 =11.70, p=.020), and self-efficacy (Χ 2 =21.84, p<.001) over 12 months. Qualitative results highlighted the positive impact on physical improvement, psychological wellbeing, social support, and improved confidence in performing activities of daily living.

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This study was to determine the levels of environmental stressor, posttraumatic stress disorder, and quality of life in intensive care units (ICU) survivors after intensive care, and to explore the factors affecting posttraumatic stress disorder and quality of life. Methods: With a longitudinal survey design, data were collected from 116 patients who were discharged from the ICU of a university hospital. The environmental stressor, posttraumatic stress disorder, and quality of life were measured immediately following and 1 month after the ICU discharge. Results: Of all the subjects, 16.4% experienced posttraumatic stress disorder after discharge. Multiple regression analysis revealed that ICU environmental stressors, experience of ICU readmission, using psychotropic drugs and narcotic analgesics, and ICU admission after surgery or cardiac intervention accounted for 22.2% of posttraumatic stress disorder. Posttraumatic stress disorder and sedation status when entering ICU accounted for 28.3% of the quality of life 1 month after ICU discharge. Conclusion: Nursing interventions focused on ICU environmental stressors would not only reduce environmental stress but also contribute to the reduction of posttraumatic stress disorder and later improvement of quality of life.